Preliminary communication
Enhancing entrepreneurship development in Bosnia and Herzegovina through adequate governmental financial support
Bahrija Umihanić
orcid.org/0000-0002-4247-0495
; University of Tuzla, Faculty of Economics, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sabina Đonlagić
orcid.org/0000-0002-8962-7058
; University of Tuzla, Faculty of Economics, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Damir Piplica
; University of Split, Department of professional studies, Croatia
Abstract
Entrepreneurship and SME sector is extremely important for general economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In order to enhance further development of the SME sector adequate sources of financing for businesses need to be available and accessible. Entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina are facing certain challenges in obtaining finances. The issue of accessing sources of finance for SMEs in this country has remained problematic for years. Many relevant studies worldwide emphasise the importance of adequate sources of financing entrepreneurship and SME development. However, a variety of factors influence financing of SMEs depending on the region, economic development, development of financial markets etc. In this paper the authors are addressing the problem of financing SMEs focusing on the governmental support, with emphasis on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The main aim of the paper is to provide an answer to the question whether the government support in Bosnia and Herzegovina enables SMEs to access initial financing, needed for their entrepreneurial activity. The paper presents results of an empirical research conducted among managers of SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina in regards to availability and adequacy of financial products for these businesses. The results indicate that entrepreneurs in B&H rarely use government funds as a source of financing business activities, which is mostly caused by insufficient funds and inefficient government procedures.
Keywords
entrepreneurship; financing; government financial support
Hrčak ID:
161357
URI
Publication date:
29.6.2016.
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